Dubai makes tourist visas easier: What travellers need to know about new online service

Dubai on Sunday, November 1, announced new measures to make travel smoother by allowing tourists to apply for tourist visas directly through its official tourism website, Visit Dubai. The announcement was made by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Under this initiative, travellers planning a trip to the emirate can now apply for both single-entry and multiple-entry visas on the exact same digital platform they use to discover attractions, book tickets, and plan holiday itineraries.

New digital channel simplifies visa applications

The new service integrates visa processing into the Visit Dubai portal, creating a single digital journey for international visitors. A dedicated visa information section is live on the portal, providing details on required documents, processing timelines, and fee structures. According to the website, processing typically takes within three working days, with fees starting at Dh200 for a 30-day single-entry visa, excluding VAT.

This portal does not replace current application channels. Travellers can still apply through existing government portals, approved travel agencies, or partner airlines such as Emirates and flydubai. Furthermore, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) remains the authority assessing and issuing all visa applications. According to Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, bringing visa applications onto Visit Dubai aligns with the emirate's Shared Digital Channels Initiative, unifying services on single digital platforms while maintaining high standards of security and efficiency.

Important visa updates for Indian travellers

For Indian tourists and business travellers, understanding broader United Arab Emirates immigration rules is essential before booking flights. Under updated UAE visa regulations introduced in 2026, the visa-on-arrival rules for Indian passport holders have changed significantly. Indian travellers who rely solely on a valid UK visa or UK residence permit are no longer eligible for the UAE's visa-on-arrival facility. Anyone travelling strictly with UK immigration documentation must now apply for a UAE tourist visa prior to departure to prevent travel disruptions or denied boarding at the airport.

However, the visa-on-arrival facility for Indian citizens has been revamped rather than completely eliminated. Indian passport holders can still obtain a visa on arrival if they possess a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card issued by specific approved nations. These eligible countries include the United States, European Union member states, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea.

How to apply online before departure

If you are an Indian traveller who no longer qualifies for a visa on arrival, obtaining an entry visa online is straightforward through authorised service providers or the new platform. Applicants need a valid passport, a passport-size photograph, and any necessary supporting documents. Once the visa is issued, printing a physical copy before flying is strongly advised.

Before embarking on a journey, travellers should review passport validity requirements, processing times, and specific immigration guidelines, including those for solo travel. Checking current visa fees is also recommended, as costs vary based on processing speed and visa category. Overall, citizens of more than 80 countries currently qualify for a visa on arrival in Dubai, while Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals enter visa-free and GCC residents can apply for e-visas.

Exclusive perks introduced for repeat visitors

Alongside the visa portal integration, Sheikh Hamdan unveiled Dubai Access Club, an invitation-only membership programme designed for repeat visitors. The programme offers returning tourists exclusive experiences, services, and city-wide benefits.

This initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which leverages technology, innovation, and public-private partnerships to strengthen tourism. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that tourism remains a vital economic pillar, noting that these measures aim to enhance every stage of the visitor journey, set high hospitality standards, and establish Dubai among the world's top three global destinations for leisure and business.